Dr Geek: For FloBees, I'd have to recommend the Sporting News. They just broke the huge Ron Artest news about him drinking during halftime back when he was in Chicago.

Everyone else: I'd recommend SI. I don't know anything about Sporting News other than the Ron-Ron article and that seems like it's a few years too late.

As for SI, I like the fact that they are weekly. That means they are relatively (compared to ESPN) up-to-date. I like their mix of articles and commentary. Plus, they're more likely to be able to get an interview with Kobe instead of Ron Artest. I've had a subscription for about 20 years and have never thought about stopping it.

I've been subscribed to ESPN for a year and a half now and don't plan on renewing it. It is every two weeks, so it has to focus less on what's currently going on. Its style is more in-your-face and trying to be too young and hip. For example, take the NBA Preview Issue of each. SI has a full page on each team that includes projected starters, scout analyses, and an article about the team. ESPN had a 6-inch column on each team, grading them on Biology, Chemistry, Economics, History, and Math to determine who's the best team. I found it gimmicky. Also, I personally prefer the standard size of SI over the oversized ESPN.